Fishing New Places

Some years I put more miles in on an airplane than I care to recollect, I did over 140,000 one year. Travel is part of what I do. It has its benefits and its challenges. One of the benefits, I get to fish places I normally would have the chance to.

It’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed when venturing out on your own in new places and unfamiliar water. For me, that is job number one. Doing some research on the water I intend on fishing. This will determine everything else I do to prepare for the trip. Check out local guides, shops, hatches and whatnot. There’s a ton of information out there.

When I’m at home and doing a walk and wade or a float, it really doesn’t matter how many rods I pack in the truck. It’s also pretty easy to switch up if need be. If you find yourself fishing the tribs in Lake Taupo New Zealand, it’s quite a bit more difficult. Generally speaking, I’ll narrow down one or two bodies of water where I’ll use similar gear. I have a travel rod case that I’ll put 3 rods in, reels, and spools.

I also skinny down my gear. You don’t want to be lugging a bunch of gear all over the place, bare basics is key here. By in large, we all carry way to much, I think. We have a ton of gear…just in case.

The other key for me is not to forget how to fish my home water. That’s right. Seems odd doesn’t it. Not really, when you think about it. Each species of fish has certain behaviors, favorite lies, and key on certain types of prey items. When you fishing your home waters, don’t you go to the most productive looking spots, use the flies with the highest probability of catching a fish for that time of year, and have the confidence that there are fish to be caught.

I think the last bit of advice I can give is don’t over commit to a spot. If time is limited, fish a spot hard, but if you’re not getting any love, move on.